Machete Sharpening?

[Silverlode]

What is the prevailing opinion on how sharp a machete should be? Sharp as I can get it, or is there a reason that is a bad idea?

Thanks

 

[lx1x]

Sharp enough that doesnt require to stike multiple times to cut small branch etc.

 

[tball]

Be careful at what kind of edge you are putting on it. Keep in mind what you are using it for. If you are using it for branches, you don't want a knife edge on it.

 

[rpker]

What is the prevailing opinion on how sharp a machete should be? Sharp as I can get it, or is there a reason that is a bad idea?

Thanks

Generally sharpen them with a bastard file with a few passes on each side in the direction from the from the center of the blade towards the cutting edge. The other way around will cause you to lose fingers and look something like him -->

 

[jimbobborg]

Too sharp and the edge rolls over if you hit something funny.

 

[Silverlode]

Sounds pretty much like I expected.

Thanks.

 

[jmiller320]

I saw a guy in Bermuda triming a hedge with his machete. He was cutting the hedge with little effort. Must have been razor sharp.

 

[BeltBuckle]

it all depends on what you plan to use it for, and how practiced you are. I like mine sharp, but I've been swinging one for years, under all sorts of conditions. but for most folks, too sharp creates more problems than it solves...

YMMV

 

[TheGrizzly]

On weeklong treks into the wilderness trip you can take along a household diamond rod for maintaining the edge, and a small mill file used for removing edge damage. I have 2 Brazilian Circa 1814 Machetes and a standard kitchen sharp edge has served well over the years.

Sharpness plays a role, but it’s not so much the blade sharpness as the function of the machete, that’s why they’re so cheap and come in a lot of different styles for various usage purposes. From chopping wood, bamboo, wood or veggie vines, cane, big jungle snakes, dressing out game or more warrior like activity.

In general terms, the harder the material you are cutting with the machete, the higher the edge angle you should try to attain. The higher the edge angle the stronger and duller the blade.

If you are using your machete to cut grass or non-woody vegetation, small sharpening angles of 20-25 degrees work best, as razor-sharpness is necessary, and there is little risk of chipping the fine edge.

If cutting Woody vegetation and branches, however, a larger sharpening angle of 25-35 degrees is recommended. The more durable edge will withstand the trauma of repeated chopping strokes. For a machete or camp knife used for heavy chopping, we recommend a utility edge of 25-30 degrees.

I love Guns, Bows and Sharp Edged Utility Products equally the same …

 

[kohburn]

its not about not making it sharp - more about the angle of the grind. a steeper angle will hold its edge longer. you can still get it good and sharp.

 

[joemac]

I like a steeper edge but pretty damn sharp. I could slice fruit with it but I don't like a super long machete. I have a bolo style el cheapo, but the steel is not bad. It is 14" I think. I take a file to it some and then finish up with a stone. I've never had any trouble cutting myself.